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Boston Love #1
Not You It's Me
Gemma Summers is unlucky in love.
She’s known it since third grade, when her first crush blew a spitball into her hair, and a decade-long string of bad dates, boring sex, and abysmal morning-afters has done nothing to improve her prospects.
When a random radio contest lands her courtside tickets to the hottest playoff game of the season, Gemma thinks her luck may finally be on the upswing — at least, until the dreaded jumbotron kiss-cam lands on her and her date, who’s too busy ignoring her to notice…
Thankfully, the sexy stranger sitting next to her is more than willing to step in.
One kiss.
Two strangers.
No strings attached.
Or… so she thinks. Turns out, kissing Chase Croft — Boston’s most eligible bachelor — may be enough to convince even a girl who’s given up on love to let down her guard one last time...
NOT YOU IT’S ME is a full-length, comedic contemporary romance about a girl who doesn’t believe in love… and the man who changes her mind. It is the first installment of the internationally bestselling BOSTON LOVE STORY series and can be read as a complete standalone. Due to sexy-times and strong language, it is intended for readers 17 and up.
She’s known it since third grade, when her first crush blew a spitball into her hair, and a decade-long string of bad dates, boring sex, and abysmal morning-afters has done nothing to improve her prospects.
When a random radio contest lands her courtside tickets to the hottest playoff game of the season, Gemma thinks her luck may finally be on the upswing — at least, until the dreaded jumbotron kiss-cam lands on her and her date, who’s too busy ignoring her to notice…
Thankfully, the sexy stranger sitting next to her is more than willing to step in.
One kiss.
Two strangers.
No strings attached.
Or… so she thinks. Turns out, kissing Chase Croft — Boston’s most eligible bachelor — may be enough to convince even a girl who’s given up on love to let down her guard one last time...
NOT YOU IT’S ME is a full-length, comedic contemporary romance about a girl who doesn’t believe in love… and the man who changes her mind. It is the first installment of the internationally bestselling BOSTON LOVE STORY series and can be read as a complete standalone. Due to sexy-times and strong language, it is intended for readers 17 and up.
390 pages, ebook
First published July 7, 2015
2001 people are currently reading
9625 people want to read
About the author
Julie Johnson
28 books3,270 followersJULIE JOHNSON is the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wind Weaver. When she's not writing, Julie can most often be found sitting on the beach near her home in her native Massachusetts, adding stamps to her passport, drinking too much coffee, and avoiding reality by disappearing between the pages of a book. She published her debut novel on a lark, just before her senior year of college, and she's never looked back. Since, she has published twenty other novels, which have been translated into more than a dozen different languages and appeared on bestseller lists all over the world.
You can connect with Julie on her Instagram (author_julie), in her natural habitat (the bookstore), or in her exclusive reader group (The Johnson Junkies).
For news and updates, be sure to subscribe to Julie's monthly newsletter: juliejohnsonbooks.com/newsletter
You can connect with Julie on her Instagram (author_julie), in her natural habitat (the bookstore), or in her exclusive reader group (The Johnson Junkies).
For news and updates, be sure to subscribe to Julie's monthly newsletter: juliejohnsonbooks.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,505 reviews
February 25, 2025
1⭐️
If you were to ask me, "Aeryn, how did this go from being promising and fun to being DIABOLICAL?" I would say to read this review. I have a lot to say so buckle up.
When I started listening to this on audiobook, I was having a good time. The first half of the book was so cute and funny and I genuinely didn't expect to rate this as low as I did. The fact that the side characters were the main reason I kept going because they were HILARIOUS says a whole lot. Gemma...god was she just the most unlikable, insufferable FMC. She acted like a child this entire book. Throwing temper tantrums, trying too hard to be likable and relatable but inevitably just...annoying. While I enjoyed parts of Chase's (MMC) personality, OH DO I HAVE SOME THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THIS MAN.
Chase comes in and acts like he needs to be a savior, a guy that thinks he needs to "fix" Gemma. It was such a toxic mindset to read throughout this book I can't tell you how much it irked me. I was casually reading an incident in this book between Chase and Gemma, and I could not believe what I was reading. This man VICTIM-BLAMED her for leaving a situation where he crossed an extremely FRAGILE and MASSIVE boundary that I bet anyone would have reacted the same way. He claimed it made him upset and that it wasn't fair to him. EXCUUUUUUUSE ME??? Not fair you YOU? Fucking spare me.
The connection between these two was toxic from the very beginning, but that was nothing compared to the insta-love that soon followed. This girl knew she loved this man merely DAYS after meeting. Wholeheartedly in love by the week mark. Listen, sometimes insta-love can be looked over. Especially if it's not the entire book's personality. However, this was exactly that.
I did everything in my power to get through this book unharmed but I feel the putridness of this book has been engraved in my brain. IT HAD SOME CUTE AND FUNNY MOMENTS OKAY it wasn't all terrible. Just 99% of it...
I ended up skimming the last 50% on my kindle and I'm so glad I did cause if I had to go through the rest of that on audiobook, I might've ended it right then and there. I put myself through this book so you don't have to. Please spare yourself from reading this unless you absolutely have to. The side characters make the entire book and some banter was funny, but that's about it. I'm just so glad it was a fast read that required little to no brain power.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Currently on an audiobook warpath so here we are 😭
If you were to ask me, "Aeryn, how did this go from being promising and fun to being DIABOLICAL?" I would say to read this review. I have a lot to say so buckle up.
When I started listening to this on audiobook, I was having a good time. The first half of the book was so cute and funny and I genuinely didn't expect to rate this as low as I did. The fact that the side characters were the main reason I kept going because they were HILARIOUS says a whole lot. Gemma...god was she just the most unlikable, insufferable FMC. She acted like a child this entire book. Throwing temper tantrums, trying too hard to be likable and relatable but inevitably just...annoying. While I enjoyed parts of Chase's (MMC) personality, OH DO I HAVE SOME THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THIS MAN.
Chase comes in and acts like he needs to be a savior, a guy that thinks he needs to "fix" Gemma. It was such a toxic mindset to read throughout this book I can't tell you how much it irked me. I was casually reading an incident in this book between Chase and Gemma, and I could not believe what I was reading. This man VICTIM-BLAMED her for leaving a situation where he crossed an extremely FRAGILE and MASSIVE boundary that I bet anyone would have reacted the same way. He claimed it made him upset and that it wasn't fair to him. EXCUUUUUUUSE ME??? Not fair you YOU? Fucking spare me.
The connection between these two was toxic from the very beginning, but that was nothing compared to the insta-love that soon followed. This girl knew she loved this man merely DAYS after meeting. Wholeheartedly in love by the week mark. Listen, sometimes insta-love can be looked over. Especially if it's not the entire book's personality. However, this was exactly that.
I did everything in my power to get through this book unharmed but I feel the putridness of this book has been engraved in my brain. IT HAD SOME CUTE AND FUNNY MOMENTS OKAY it wasn't all terrible. Just 99% of it...
I ended up skimming the last 50% on my kindle and I'm so glad I did cause if I had to go through the rest of that on audiobook, I might've ended it right then and there. I put myself through this book so you don't have to. Please spare yourself from reading this unless you absolutely have to. The side characters make the entire book and some banter was funny, but that's about it. I'm just so glad it was a fast read that required little to no brain power.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Currently on an audiobook warpath so here we are 😭
January 4, 2016
5 Sunshine Stars.
Gemma Summers is a girl with secrets she just wants to forget, and do her job and create her art. She doesn’t get closed or attached to anyone because that would mean open up and show more about herself. Until she meets Chase in a basketball game, and when their paths start crossing, the sexy billionaire also broken by his past, decides that he has to have her. And he’s going to be the one that will change her mind about dating.
But for how long can two broken souls resist when their secrets keep threaten to come out?
This book was for sure a delightful surprise. It was my first Julie Johnson’s book, but will definitely not be the last. I loved how she grabbed a real life viral video and build an entire story from it, it’s amazing. This was a sweet and funny romance, with enough drama to keep us on our toes and some emotional moments to leave us teary eyed in some occasions; the perfect combination. The writing style is flawless and this story flows so easily that when you realize you are already in the end of the book and begging for more.
If you’re looking for the perfect romance book escape, this is perfect for you.
Rating: 5 Stars.
Characters Development: Chase was an amazing hero to read. Honest, protective, a little bit alpha and a whole lot of sexy, he was extremely easy to fall in love with. He didn’t had the “powerful billionaire CEO vibe”, despite being one, as that part was a little pushed to the side, but a swoon worthy hero nonetheless. Gemma was a sweet girl, but her “now-I-want-you-now-I’m-not-sure” annoyed me for a while. Eventually I warmed up to her, especially towards the end. I can’t wait to read Phoebe’s book, not only because she seemed awesome, but I’m curious to see how her and Gemma’s relationship will develop.
Steam: Some hot moments, but not extremely high on steam.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Gemma Summers is a girl with secrets she just wants to forget, and do her job and create her art. She doesn’t get closed or attached to anyone because that would mean open up and show more about herself. Until she meets Chase in a basketball game, and when their paths start crossing, the sexy billionaire also broken by his past, decides that he has to have her. And he’s going to be the one that will change her mind about dating.
But for how long can two broken souls resist when their secrets keep threaten to come out?
This book was for sure a delightful surprise. It was my first Julie Johnson’s book, but will definitely not be the last. I loved how she grabbed a real life viral video and build an entire story from it, it’s amazing. This was a sweet and funny romance, with enough drama to keep us on our toes and some emotional moments to leave us teary eyed in some occasions; the perfect combination. The writing style is flawless and this story flows so easily that when you realize you are already in the end of the book and begging for more.
If you’re looking for the perfect romance book escape, this is perfect for you.
Rating: 5 Stars.
Characters Development: Chase was an amazing hero to read. Honest, protective, a little bit alpha and a whole lot of sexy, he was extremely easy to fall in love with. He didn’t had the “powerful billionaire CEO vibe”, despite being one, as that part was a little pushed to the side, but a swoon worthy hero nonetheless. Gemma was a sweet girl, but her “now-I-want-you-now-I’m-not-sure” annoyed me for a while. Eventually I warmed up to her, especially towards the end. I can’t wait to read Phoebe’s book, not only because she seemed awesome, but I’m curious to see how her and Gemma’s relationship will develop.
Steam: Some hot moments, but not extremely high on steam.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
April 25, 2016
My state after finishing Not You It's Me summarized in one picture
Specifically
Fangirl mode;ON
Butterflies dancing in my stomach;millions
Dumb smile on my face;permanent and kinda creepy
Belief in love at first sight;restored
Progress in finding Prince Charming;he probably got lost and is too stubborn to ask for directions
Book boyfriends list;expanded
Love towards Julie Johnson;intensified
Need I say more?
Well,If you insist..
Gemma was convinced that there was something wrong with her regarding her relationships (or the lack of them).She searched for men that were emotionally unavailable (or unstable as it turns out) and she came to believe that true love doesn't exist.She didn't think anyone would notice her or take her seriously,not with her paintsplashed clothes,her obsession over art,Star Wars,Harry Potter and Game of Thrones and her babbling habbit,especially not an insanely handsome stranger who happened to sit next to her in a basketball game (she didn't even like basketball).But since the moment she met him,her world was turned upside down and she faced the dangers of being used and manipulated by creepy billionaires,eaten alive by the press and paparazzis and jealous blondes and even worst,she could lose her heart.Because nothing is ever easy with Chase Croft.
Passion!Intrigue!Family secrets!Forbidden love!These are the elements that make Not You It's Me a freaking amazing contemporary romance that makes your blood boil and shatters your world!I think the word love is too cliché to describe my feelings but since I don't seem to find something more suitable,I'm going to scream it till my lungs run out of air:I LOVED IT!
Gemma is so funny and sweet,it's inevitable to love her!I couldn't stop laughing when she started babbling,she is a heroine full of color and light and life although she has many family issues and insecurities.Chase is well,a brooding caveman is how Gemma puts it,and I may add passionate,composed,stubborn and extremely hot!I fell in love with his wolfish grin and the warmth in his eyes whenever he looked at her or tried to protect her from his crazy family!They were perfect together,their relationship was full of tension,fights and devotion,the whole world was against them,even a tiny voice in Gemma's head tried to convince her that this would never work,that she would get hurt,but nothing could stop them from falling in love.Their story is entangled with drama,secrets that emerge and threaten to unbalance their lifes,corruption and revenge,and it all started with two.basketball.tickets.And a mindshattering kiss.
And thanks to you Julie Johnson,I hold on to this promise,the promise of a Prince and a happy ending!Thank you!!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Specifically
Fangirl mode;ON
Butterflies dancing in my stomach;millions
Dumb smile on my face;permanent and kinda creepy
Belief in love at first sight;restored
Progress in finding Prince Charming;he probably got lost and is too stubborn to ask for directions
Book boyfriends list;expanded
Love towards Julie Johnson;intensified
Need I say more?
Well,If you insist..
“In a shocking turn of events,Gemma Summers fails once again to find her true love.”
Gemma was convinced that there was something wrong with her regarding her relationships (or the lack of them).She searched for men that were emotionally unavailable (or unstable as it turns out) and she came to believe that true love doesn't exist.She didn't think anyone would notice her or take her seriously,not with her paintsplashed clothes,her obsession over art,Star Wars,Harry Potter and Game of Thrones and her babbling habbit,especially not an insanely handsome stranger who happened to sit next to her in a basketball game (she didn't even like basketball).But since the moment she met him,her world was turned upside down and she faced the dangers of being used and manipulated by creepy billionaires,eaten alive by the press and paparazzis and jealous blondes and even worst,she could lose her heart.Because nothing is ever easy with Chase Croft.
“He's the embodiment of composure;I'm the epitome of chaos”
Passion!Intrigue!Family secrets!Forbidden love!These are the elements that make Not You It's Me a freaking amazing contemporary romance that makes your blood boil and shatters your world!I think the word love is too cliché to describe my feelings but since I don't seem to find something more suitable,I'm going to scream it till my lungs run out of air:I LOVED IT!
Gemma is so funny and sweet,it's inevitable to love her!I couldn't stop laughing when she started babbling,she is a heroine full of color and light and life although she has many family issues and insecurities.Chase is well,a brooding caveman is how Gemma puts it,and I may add passionate,composed,stubborn and extremely hot!I fell in love with his wolfish grin and the warmth in his eyes whenever he looked at her or tried to protect her from his crazy family!They were perfect together,their relationship was full of tension,fights and devotion,the whole world was against them,even a tiny voice in Gemma's head tried to convince her that this would never work,that she would get hurt,but nothing could stop them from falling in love.Their story is entangled with drama,secrets that emerge and threaten to unbalance their lifes,corruption and revenge,and it all started with two.basketball.tickets.And a mindshattering kiss.
“The past holds pain;the future holds promise.”
And thanks to you Julie Johnson,I hold on to this promise,the promise of a Prince and a happy ending!Thank you!!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
July 10, 2015
Why.
Why did you write such an annoying book, Julie? WHY.
I know you have a thing for theatrics and all (in every book you must dive into a plotline out of a mafia movie) but seriously?
Did it have to be over a span of a week?
Did it have to be so cliché?
Did Gemma have to be so endearingly awkward to the point of it being annoying?
Did Chase have to be so hot but so unrealistically inlove with someone he met literally 5 days ago?
IS IT REALLY POSSIBLE TO FALL IN LOVE IN A WEEK? YES? NO. The answer is no.
Let's say that its okaaaay to fall in love in 5 days... Is it okay to move in in 6 days? The answer is NO. NO, CHASE. YOU CANNOT JUST END THE LEASE FOR GEMMA'S APARTMENT AND JUST TAKE HER STUFF INTO YOUR OWN YOU FUCKING CAVEMAN.
Am I overreacting? YES.
Should you read this book? NO.
IS THIS POST FULL OF SPOILERS? YES. #notsorry
Why did you write such an annoying book, Julie? WHY.
I know you have a thing for theatrics and all (in every book you must dive into a plotline out of a mafia movie) but seriously?
Did it have to be over a span of a week?
Did it have to be so cliché?
Did Gemma have to be so endearingly awkward to the point of it being annoying?
Did Chase have to be so hot but so unrealistically inlove with someone he met literally 5 days ago?
IS IT REALLY POSSIBLE TO FALL IN LOVE IN A WEEK? YES? NO. The answer is no.
Let's say that its okaaaay to fall in love in 5 days... Is it okay to move in in 6 days? The answer is NO. NO, CHASE. YOU CANNOT JUST END THE LEASE FOR GEMMA'S APARTMENT AND JUST TAKE HER STUFF INTO YOUR OWN YOU FUCKING CAVEMAN.
Am I overreacting? YES.
Should you read this book? NO.
IS THIS POST FULL OF SPOILERS? YES. #notsorry
January 5, 2016
2.5 - 3 stars
It was an okay read. I couldn't really connect with the characters, though :( Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for it. It was funny and cute, but it still felt flat (I'm probaby PMSing).
It was an okay read. I couldn't really connect with the characters, though :( Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for it. It was funny and cute, but it still felt flat (I'm probaby PMSing).
July 7, 2015
**Not You It's Me generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
Not You It's Me now LIVE! Order here.
5++ "This one could." Stars
One statement always holds true with reading a Julie Johnson book: it's going to be a hilarious, sweet, sexy ADVENTURE. I fell head over heels for these characters so easily as Julie's writing never fails to suck me right into her worlds. Like Chase Croft perfectly gives "good grin", Not You It's Me perfectly gives great contemporary romance.
There were so many elements present in the story with which to fall in love. Julie Johnson masterfully leads readers from the point of view of her slightly neurotic, zany heroine – Gemma Summers, through the adventures of Gemma once she meets Chase Croft. From start to finish, I laughed out loud at this woman’s antics. A few times she made rash decisions I normally wouldn’t be able to stand however the beauty of this author’s character development exposes these flaws and atones for them in an honest, true-to-the-character kind of way making her quite relatable. Her feelings for Chase from the very beginning confuse and excite her and the way she fits into his life really worked for the story. Gemma is an independent, head strong girl with some obvious issues. Her reluctance to Chase even as she’s gravitating toward him was a natural as it was comical. In addition, she has two friends who play secondary roles in the story both of whom any girl would adore. There are definite hilarious moments with these girls.
Aside Gemma’s crazy, I LOVE CHASE CROFT. This was a great hero. He’s subdued yet overwhelming when it comes to emotions. Another testament to the exquisitely natural writing of this author. Chase’s effect on me as a reader was heavy but not in an overtly arrogant way but rather a bossy, sexy, quiet kind of way. He has charm and charisma rivaling the best of book heroes and his mind gets set on the quirky Gemma. The way he handles her is seriously swoon worthy. Chase has darkness he fears will hurt Gemma but he can’t seem to stay away. Their perfectly suited trading smart remark for smart remark with their incredible banter. So many moments between Chase and Gemma had me smiling happily.
Secondary characters, in addition to Gemma’s girls, provide comic relief and villainous plot devices while bringing Gemma and Chase closer. Gemma’s mother deserves a shout out for her comical wisdom and no-nonsense approach to her daughter’s tantrums. Another character introduced in the story was so relatable and really cute with a great story of why we met her pops up in the prose and I hope we get more from this author regarding this character.
Their relationship moves as quickly as the plot but it never seems rushed or forced. It’s fun and different and gets a little crazy. The comedy never stops. The wit this author possesses in her writing makes me gleeful to be a Julie Johnson fan. Her anecdotes and fluid one-liners pair perfectly with the butterfly inducing romance and sexy passion mixed together with heart pumping adventure Not You It’s Me left a lasting impression. Just like all of Julie Johnson’s books. She writes exquisitely. She makes her characters real and human with vulnerabilities and strengths she exposes, exploits, and capitalizes upon. It was easy for me to spend an afternoon in Boston with this book. I’ve been a fan since Johnson’s debut novel and with each new release I become even more awe struck at the stories she writes. I’ll look forward to the next one.
April 3, 2024
★★ THE STORY YOU LOVE... HAS A SEXY NEW LOOK! ★★
★ Now available in paperback, ebook, and audio format!★
NOT YOU IT'S ME is a fun, funny contemporary romance about an unlucky-in-love artist who falls for a man she never, ever expected...
To every single reader out there who has made this release so freaking awesome by leaving reviews on GR and Amazon, reaching out to me with personal messages, and recommending Chase & Gemma's story to your fellow bookworms -- I really just have one thing to say to you....
Also this: #ATTACKHUG
I FREAKING ADORE YOU! Seriously. All of you. xx
AMAZON US ➜ http://amzn.to/1GKv7pE
BARNES & NOBLE US ➜ http://bit.ly/1LrPevE
IBOOKS US ➜ http://apple.co/1LrP8Es
KOBO US ➜ http://bit.ly/1BTEqni
***
AMAZON UK ➜ http://amzn.to/1LTn11c
NOOK UK ➜ http://bit.ly/1CXlbUM
IBOOKS UK ➜ http://apple.co/1G47O59
***
AMAZON AU ➜ http://bit.ly/1LOSy3j
IBOOKS AU ➜ http://apple.co/1dJ5Dx4
***
AMAZON CA ➜ http://amzn.to/1fjhfIU
IBOOKS CA ➜ http://apple.co/1H8Kdkv
★ Now available in paperback, ebook, and audio format!★
NOT YOU IT'S ME is a fun, funny contemporary romance about an unlucky-in-love artist who falls for a man she never, ever expected...
To every single reader out there who has made this release so freaking awesome by leaving reviews on GR and Amazon, reaching out to me with personal messages, and recommending Chase & Gemma's story to your fellow bookworms -- I really just have one thing to say to you....
Also this: #ATTACKHUG
I FREAKING ADORE YOU! Seriously. All of you. xx
AMAZON US ➜ http://amzn.to/1GKv7pE
BARNES & NOBLE US ➜ http://bit.ly/1LrPevE
IBOOKS US ➜ http://apple.co/1LrP8Es
KOBO US ➜ http://bit.ly/1BTEqni
***
AMAZON UK ➜ http://amzn.to/1LTn11c
NOOK UK ➜ http://bit.ly/1CXlbUM
IBOOKS UK ➜ http://apple.co/1G47O59
***
AMAZON AU ➜ http://bit.ly/1LOSy3j
IBOOKS AU ➜ http://apple.co/1dJ5Dx4
***
AMAZON CA ➜ http://amzn.to/1fjhfIU
IBOOKS CA ➜ http://apple.co/1H8Kdkv
December 5, 2022
Diet Fifty Shades without the red room/BDSM & stalker vibes
If you like overprotective billionaires and MCs that are "in love" within a week with minimal communication this might work better for you than it did for me. 🤷♀️
Despite being NC-17 recommended I've read steamier YA...here's looking at you SJM 😉
Good things:
✔️ quick read
✔️ cute cover
✔️ fun friends
✔️ based in Boston (I don't think I've read a book based there before)
✔️ start of a finished series...so yep, imma give book2 a chance cos I'm a sucker for the faceless illustrated covers, my library has it ready to borrow & Phoebe seems like fun 😊
If you like overprotective billionaires and MCs that are "in love" within a week with minimal communication this might work better for you than it did for me. 🤷♀️
Despite being NC-17 recommended I've read steamier YA...here's looking at you SJM 😉
Good things:
✔️ quick read
✔️ cute cover
✔️ fun friends
✔️ based in Boston (I don't think I've read a book based there before)
✔️ start of a finished series...so yep, imma give book2 a chance cos I'm a sucker for the faceless illustrated covers, my library has it ready to borrow & Phoebe seems like fun 😊
October 16, 2020
Well, I enjoy this very much. Not You It's Me is my first read by Miss Johnson and I am wondering why I never heard of her before. She has a great sense of humor.
Not You It's Me more like rom com. A bit of suspense but very very mild. The POV is from heroine and she is very funny and sassy. I want her as my best friend. Her fearless spirit is infectious. I struggle to hide my smile and my laugh while at work listening to this audio book. Navigating dating scenes is never easy for modern women out there and I feel the dilemma and the humor. BTW, there is no descriptive sex scenes in this book, but I still can feel the chemistry/ the heat between the characters.
The secondary character also supporting the story very well.
Overall I am very happy woman after listening to this audio book.
4 stars
Not You It's Me more like rom com. A bit of suspense but very very mild. The POV is from heroine and she is very funny and sassy. I want her as my best friend. Her fearless spirit is infectious. I struggle to hide my smile and my laugh while at work listening to this audio book. Navigating dating scenes is never easy for modern women out there and I feel the dilemma and the humor. BTW, there is no descriptive sex scenes in this book, but I still can feel the chemistry/ the heat between the characters.
The secondary character also supporting the story very well.
Overall I am very happy woman after listening to this audio book.
4 stars
May 3, 2017
3,5 stars
“When you start to fall, don’t talk yourself out of it — the right man will be there at the bottom, to catch you.
Take a risk on messy.
Live fearlessly.
Love recklessly.
Most of all, just love.”
This is a very cute love story of an amazingly sweet girl: Gemma...
Gemma wins courtside tickets to the hottest playoff game of the season when she phones a radio programme as the 100th caller. She goes to the match with her total d*ckhead boyfriend, Ralph, who never appreciates her. He either watches the match or plays with his phone. Their relationship is totally based on sex as Gemma has some daddy issues and she has never fallen in love. She thinks she doesn’t deserve a good man. She thinks there isn’t the fairy tale kind of romance in this world...etc... Anyways, during this match, something unexpected happens and the kiss-cam lands on her and her loser boyfriend, who has no intention of kissing her, still too busy with his phone.
When Gemma becomes a courtside spectacle at the hands of her loser boyfriend, the green-eyed handsome man sitting on her other side cannot help himself and he saves the day, not with a “pity kiss” but with a very “hot one” !!
"He’s kissing me. And it’s good. No, actually, it’s great. It’s not the soft, sympathetic, pity-kiss you’d expect in a situation like this. It’s a full on, invade-your-senses, shatter-your-world, boil-your-blood kiss."
Well, she is saved by the mysterious green-eyed stranger, but now her boyfriend is being ridiculed, who instantly turns him into her enemy.
Gemma and Chase's hot kiss on the KissCam grows into hotter kisses in real life and a good sexual tension is built-up but when those incredibly hot kisses grow into “making love” scenes, those scenes really disappoint as they are a few sentences lacking steam and passion.
So what happens?
Well, the story goes somewhere else.
Despite having bad luck in boyfriend area, Gemma has really good friends named Chrissy, Shelby and Mark. She has a mother but since day 1, her father refused to be involved in her life. On the other hand, the green-eyed handsome, Chase, has a disturbing family and a crazy ex-fiancé.
Therefore, after the kisscam event, "a psycho team" comes together to keep Chase and Gemma apart and to cause them to suffer:
Ralph (Gemma’s ex)
Vanessa (Chase’s ex)
Brett (Chase’s cousin)
Therefore, their story turns into a crazy adventure film with those people, all thirsty for vendetta!
The book is told by Gemma only and she is cute, sweet and hilarious. I normally prefer dual point of view but Gemma was a gem, so I really liked to read the story from her point of view as she made all kinds of scenes a comedy scene, even the hot or scary ones !
This book is good if you are looking for a cute sweet and funny read with some light and crazy adventure in it. You shouldn’t take it seriously, I mean...
But if you need a hot read, this is not it.
If you need a real thriller, this definitely isn’t it!
This is just fun... but as far as fun goes, it really keeps that constant grin on your face, that is for sure!
Let me give you some quotes from the book so that you can see how sweet it is...
"I couldn’t stop kissing him at this moment even if someone put a gun to my head and ordered me to walk away.
I vaguely register the sound of a door opening nearby, but I for one have so little interest in the world outside his lips, Boston could sink into the damn ocean and I’d barely bat an eye."
"My words are swallowed up as his lips crash down on mine. It isn’t a soft kiss — it’s intense, furious, in a way I never knew a kiss could be, his lips hard and unforgiving against mine. It’s a shut-up-I-hate-you kiss. A you-drive-me-crazy kiss. An if-I-don’t-kiss-you-I’ll-kill-you kiss."
“Chase Croft is sitting behind that desk, staring at me like the freaking proverbial cat about to swallow a helpless canary.
In case that was too metaphorical for you…
Yep. I’m the damn bird.”
***
“Quick tip for whatever girl you decide to subject to your considerable lack of charms next:
There are positions other than missionary, Ralph! Many of them.
And here’s another pointer, free of charge:
Treating sex like it’s a race to see who can orgasm fastest isn’t fun for anyone but you!”
***
“He grins — the good grin, the panty-dropping one — and I feel a few of the butterflies I thought were long-dead flutter back to life in the pit of my stomach. Perfect. Just perfect. Chase tracks me down and now there are zombie freaking butterflies swarming inside me.”
***
“You’re not like me. You’re just… different.”
“Bad different?”
“Different in the best way possible. My world — it’s monochrome. Black and white. But you…” His voice gets lower, huskier. “You’re painted in every shade on the palette. You’re screaming color. A fucking rainbow.”
***
“I’m practically hysterical, by this point, so I can’t really blame him for looking at me like I’m two clicks away from flying over the cuckoo’s nest.”
***
“I’m so badass, sometimes I don’t even safely eject my USB drives — I just whip them out of the computer and shove them back in my desk.”
***
“Seriously.” She starts fanning herself again. “If you don’t jump his bones tonight, I will.”
“Shelby! You’re married!”
“Have you seen the man? Paul will understand.”
***
“You’d be a real pain in the ass if you weren’t so damn cute.”
***
“I’ll stay, sunshine. For you, I’ll stay."
“When you start to fall, don’t talk yourself out of it — the right man will be there at the bottom, to catch you.
Take a risk on messy.
Live fearlessly.
Love recklessly.
Most of all, just love.”
This is a very cute love story of an amazingly sweet girl: Gemma...
Gemma wins courtside tickets to the hottest playoff game of the season when she phones a radio programme as the 100th caller. She goes to the match with her total d*ckhead boyfriend, Ralph, who never appreciates her. He either watches the match or plays with his phone. Their relationship is totally based on sex as Gemma has some daddy issues and she has never fallen in love. She thinks she doesn’t deserve a good man. She thinks there isn’t the fairy tale kind of romance in this world...etc... Anyways, during this match, something unexpected happens and the kiss-cam lands on her and her loser boyfriend, who has no intention of kissing her, still too busy with his phone.
When Gemma becomes a courtside spectacle at the hands of her loser boyfriend, the green-eyed handsome man sitting on her other side cannot help himself and he saves the day, not with a “pity kiss” but with a very “hot one” !!
"He’s kissing me. And it’s good. No, actually, it’s great. It’s not the soft, sympathetic, pity-kiss you’d expect in a situation like this. It’s a full on, invade-your-senses, shatter-your-world, boil-your-blood kiss."
Well, she is saved by the mysterious green-eyed stranger, but now her boyfriend is being ridiculed, who instantly turns him into her enemy.
Gemma and Chase's hot kiss on the KissCam grows into hotter kisses in real life and a good sexual tension is built-up but when those incredibly hot kisses grow into “making love” scenes, those scenes really disappoint as they are a few sentences lacking steam and passion.
So what happens?
Well, the story goes somewhere else.
Despite having bad luck in boyfriend area, Gemma has really good friends named Chrissy, Shelby and Mark. She has a mother but since day 1, her father refused to be involved in her life. On the other hand, the green-eyed handsome, Chase, has a disturbing family and a crazy ex-fiancé.
Therefore, after the kisscam event, "a psycho team" comes together to keep Chase and Gemma apart and to cause them to suffer:
Ralph (Gemma’s ex)
Vanessa (Chase’s ex)
Brett (Chase’s cousin)
Therefore, their story turns into a crazy adventure film with those people, all thirsty for vendetta!
The book is told by Gemma only and she is cute, sweet and hilarious. I normally prefer dual point of view but Gemma was a gem, so I really liked to read the story from her point of view as she made all kinds of scenes a comedy scene, even the hot or scary ones !
This book is good if you are looking for a cute sweet and funny read with some light and crazy adventure in it. You shouldn’t take it seriously, I mean...
But if you need a hot read, this is not it.
If you need a real thriller, this definitely isn’t it!
This is just fun... but as far as fun goes, it really keeps that constant grin on your face, that is for sure!
Let me give you some quotes from the book so that you can see how sweet it is...
"I couldn’t stop kissing him at this moment even if someone put a gun to my head and ordered me to walk away.
I vaguely register the sound of a door opening nearby, but I for one have so little interest in the world outside his lips, Boston could sink into the damn ocean and I’d barely bat an eye."
"My words are swallowed up as his lips crash down on mine. It isn’t a soft kiss — it’s intense, furious, in a way I never knew a kiss could be, his lips hard and unforgiving against mine. It’s a shut-up-I-hate-you kiss. A you-drive-me-crazy kiss. An if-I-don’t-kiss-you-I’ll-kill-you kiss."
“Chase Croft is sitting behind that desk, staring at me like the freaking proverbial cat about to swallow a helpless canary.
In case that was too metaphorical for you…
Yep. I’m the damn bird.”
***
“Quick tip for whatever girl you decide to subject to your considerable lack of charms next:
There are positions other than missionary, Ralph! Many of them.
And here’s another pointer, free of charge:
Treating sex like it’s a race to see who can orgasm fastest isn’t fun for anyone but you!”
***
“He grins — the good grin, the panty-dropping one — and I feel a few of the butterflies I thought were long-dead flutter back to life in the pit of my stomach. Perfect. Just perfect. Chase tracks me down and now there are zombie freaking butterflies swarming inside me.”
***
“You’re not like me. You’re just… different.”
“Bad different?”
“Different in the best way possible. My world — it’s monochrome. Black and white. But you…” His voice gets lower, huskier. “You’re painted in every shade on the palette. You’re screaming color. A fucking rainbow.”
***
“I’m practically hysterical, by this point, so I can’t really blame him for looking at me like I’m two clicks away from flying over the cuckoo’s nest.”
***
“I’m so badass, sometimes I don’t even safely eject my USB drives — I just whip them out of the computer and shove them back in my desk.”
***
“Seriously.” She starts fanning herself again. “If you don’t jump his bones tonight, I will.”
“Shelby! You’re married!”
“Have you seen the man? Paul will understand.”
***
“You’d be a real pain in the ass if you weren’t so damn cute.”
***
“I’ll stay, sunshine. For you, I’ll stay."
February 5, 2017
The way I see it, everyone’s been telling the story wrong. I mean, take Cinderella, for example. She never asked for a Prince, let alone waited around for one. Hell, all she ever wanted was a night off from work and a fancy dress to twirl in for a few hours. It’s never made sense to me that I’m supposed to sit around pining for some mythical Prince Charming to get off his ass and rescue me. If that’s the grand game plan, I could end up waiting forever. Because, I mean, if he’s anything like the rest of the male population, the prince is probably stuck in traffic somewhere, or got lost along the way and is too damn stubborn to ask for directions.
Amen, sister! This book reminded me of a funny, updated Harlequin Presents in the very best way. It had all of the familial drama, evil side characters and subdued but still slightly hot sexy times I'd expect from a Harly but luckily Julie Johnson kept the tone upbeat and snarky for the majority of the book.
Gemma and Chase were fabulous together and this could've easily been a five star read for me had it not been for the drama surrounding both of their families. There were several aspects I wish had either been explored further or left out entirely. Having said that, I'm adding Not You It's Me to the list of favorites I've read so far this summer.
Amen, sister! This book reminded me of a funny, updated Harlequin Presents in the very best way. It had all of the familial drama, evil side characters and subdued but still slightly hot sexy times I'd expect from a Harly but luckily Julie Johnson kept the tone upbeat and snarky for the majority of the book.
Gemma and Chase were fabulous together and this could've easily been a five star read for me had it not been for the drama surrounding both of their families. There were several aspects I wish had either been explored further or left out entirely. Having said that, I'm adding Not You It's Me to the list of favorites I've read so far this summer.
September 2, 2016
It reads like a primer for romance tropes. Like a cliche how-to.
1) The Spunky Heroine - "she's different. Trust me." She meets our hero wearing a bridesmaid dress and converse. I believe this is supposed to convey that she's a "mad-cap gal," but it's tacky. And I own 7 pair of converse. We also get the "I'm done with men" speech. The "I don't care about your money" speech and the "I don't need a relationship - I don't believe in love" speech. She's an artist. She's beautiful but doesn't know it.
2) Insta-Connection - these people sat side by side at a hoops game. They spoke for a few minutes - it wasn't soul-baring shit. They kissed for the kiss cam. An hour later they discussed a one night stand. But our hero just couldn't do it - he needed to protect out tender heroine. And suddenly they were denying these deep feelings for each other. Really, honey? The immediacy of this connection stripped the book of any and all validity. I have deeper conversation with the chick in the DD window handing me my pumpkin spice coffee each morning. I've yet to swoon over her.
3) Proximity to the Hero Makes Our Heroine a Moron - I get being goofy around a crush. However losing the ability to speak while ole boy remains cooler than the other side of the pillow is demeaning, embarrassing and really makes it hard to like the heroine. If their relationship is this unbalanced I feel bad for her.
4) The Jerky Boyfriend - we start our adventure learning she's a doormat. 4 months with an unattractive cheater who only mocks and derides her. People treat you the way you let them. I can't like a character that loathes themself.
5) A Man-War in Which She's A Victim/Weapon - our hero's random predatory family member decides the heroine is a tool to destroy the hero. Said family member is creepy, obsessed and stalkerish. Our heroine is no longer a person - just a prize in a man's war. And the hero becomes uber bossy (which is supposed to be an indicator of his deep feelings and need to protect) but really just minimizes the heroine as a person. She's an object to be bandied about and saved.
6) The Angry Ex - a woman materializes to threaten our heroine. Comes to her work. Calls her a bitch. Tells her to back off. She's gorgeous and perfect. "This is the kind of woman our hero dates!" thinks our heroine. "How can I compete?" Really? How can you compete with someone so shriveled on the inside that they need to piss all over their territory? Someone lacking in confidence and common decency? But this woman is pretty so our heroine knows she must be our hero's soulmate.
In summation - It was bad. It was real bad.
1) The Spunky Heroine - "she's different. Trust me." She meets our hero wearing a bridesmaid dress and converse. I believe this is supposed to convey that she's a "mad-cap gal," but it's tacky. And I own 7 pair of converse. We also get the "I'm done with men" speech. The "I don't care about your money" speech and the "I don't need a relationship - I don't believe in love" speech. She's an artist. She's beautiful but doesn't know it.
2) Insta-Connection - these people sat side by side at a hoops game. They spoke for a few minutes - it wasn't soul-baring shit. They kissed for the kiss cam. An hour later they discussed a one night stand. But our hero just couldn't do it - he needed to protect out tender heroine. And suddenly they were denying these deep feelings for each other. Really, honey? The immediacy of this connection stripped the book of any and all validity. I have deeper conversation with the chick in the DD window handing me my pumpkin spice coffee each morning. I've yet to swoon over her.
3) Proximity to the Hero Makes Our Heroine a Moron - I get being goofy around a crush. However losing the ability to speak while ole boy remains cooler than the other side of the pillow is demeaning, embarrassing and really makes it hard to like the heroine. If their relationship is this unbalanced I feel bad for her.
4) The Jerky Boyfriend - we start our adventure learning she's a doormat. 4 months with an unattractive cheater who only mocks and derides her. People treat you the way you let them. I can't like a character that loathes themself.
5) A Man-War in Which She's A Victim/Weapon - our hero's random predatory family member decides the heroine is a tool to destroy the hero. Said family member is creepy, obsessed and stalkerish. Our heroine is no longer a person - just a prize in a man's war. And the hero becomes uber bossy (which is supposed to be an indicator of his deep feelings and need to protect) but really just minimizes the heroine as a person. She's an object to be bandied about and saved.
6) The Angry Ex - a woman materializes to threaten our heroine. Comes to her work. Calls her a bitch. Tells her to back off. She's gorgeous and perfect. "This is the kind of woman our hero dates!" thinks our heroine. "How can I compete?" Really? How can you compete with someone so shriveled on the inside that they need to piss all over their territory? Someone lacking in confidence and common decency? But this woman is pretty so our heroine knows she must be our hero's soulmate.
In summation - It was bad. It was real bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2015
With her fourth book, Not You It's Me, Julie Johnson has ventured away from Romantic Suspense and shifted toward Romantic Comedy. Her first three books,
Like Gravity
,
Say The Word
and
Erasing Faith
, while humorous in their own right, were still fundamentally romantic suspense. Where as, Not You It's Me, is more comedy with a little suspense.
On a last ditch effort to save her terrible relationship, Gemma Summers calls into a radio show hoping to score the hottest tickets around, court-side seats to the playoff game. Surely this will add some spice into her relationship and make her boyfriend at least act like he likes her... or so she hopes. Unfortunately, through the entire game, her boyfriend stayed on his phone, including during the close-up of the KISS CAM, which was aimed directly at them. He's too busy to notice the cam and her, and she's mortified. But the handsome, most eligible bachelor Chase Croft notices the cam and Gemma and gives her a kiss that rocks her world!
Literally.
Suddenly the press wants to know who she is. She is hounded at every turn. Chase has his own reasons to keep her hidden and away from himself. But that doesn't work out because he can't fight his attraction.
She has never had good luck with men, so she is leery of his intentions.
As I was reading this I couldn't help but think this would make a GREAT movie! I could so see it on the big screen. This would surely be a hit.
I have always described this authors writing style as; descriptive, lyrical, poetic, moving, and funny, and that she is incredibly insightful and sprinkles life lessons throughout her books. But with the focus on comedy, I missed the emotional connection I usually feel for Ms. Johnson's characters as well as her usual insightful passages.
Ms. Johnson will continue to be a one-click author for me, she is an amazing story teller.
ARC graciously provided in exchange for honest review
On a last ditch effort to save her terrible relationship, Gemma Summers calls into a radio show hoping to score the hottest tickets around, court-side seats to the playoff game. Surely this will add some spice into her relationship and make her boyfriend at least act like he likes her... or so she hopes. Unfortunately, through the entire game, her boyfriend stayed on his phone, including during the close-up of the KISS CAM, which was aimed directly at them. He's too busy to notice the cam and her, and she's mortified. But the handsome, most eligible bachelor Chase Croft notices the cam and Gemma and gives her a kiss that rocks her world!
Literally.
Suddenly the press wants to know who she is. She is hounded at every turn. Chase has his own reasons to keep her hidden and away from himself. But that doesn't work out because he can't fight his attraction.
She has never had good luck with men, so she is leery of his intentions.
As I was reading this I couldn't help but think this would make a GREAT movie! I could so see it on the big screen. This would surely be a hit.
I have always described this authors writing style as; descriptive, lyrical, poetic, moving, and funny, and that she is incredibly insightful and sprinkles life lessons throughout her books. But with the focus on comedy, I missed the emotional connection I usually feel for Ms. Johnson's characters as well as her usual insightful passages.
Ms. Johnson will continue to be a one-click author for me, she is an amazing story teller.
ARC graciously provided in exchange for honest review
July 27, 2017
3.5 Star read
Story type: Contemporary
Storyline: This is the story of Gemma and Chase. Gemma wins tickets to a playoff Celtics game and takes her no good boyfriend as a last ditch effort for their pathetic relationship. Gemma doesn't believe in true love and is not a commitment kind of girl, but because all her friends are now married she gave it a go with this guy. When he blatantly ignores Gemma when the kiss jumbotron lands on her the super hot guy next to her, Chase, helps a girl out and kisses her. Sparks fly and they have an instant connection. Nothing but drama, drama, drama happens next. We have paparazzi, crazy exes, crazy family, fun but crazy friends, and so many things going on its surprising they connect enough to fall in love. But through it all they do and Gemma finds her true love in Chase and they find their HFN.
POV: Gemma's POV
H rating: 4 stars. Chase. He was charming, funny, controlling (but not in a bad way) alpha male. I understand that he was always looking out for Gemma but some things he did I felt crossed the line .
h rating: 5 stars. Gemma. I loved Gemma! She was hillariously awkward at moments but always genuine. I loved her loyalty to her friends and just her overall personality was great.
Angst level: Low. It was dramatic for sure, but I wouldn't say that the tissues needed to come out.
Heat level: Low. There were some steamy moments but they were more about the emotional vs. the physical connection.
Descriptive sex: Yes and no. It describes the situation, but not the physical details of sex--more about the emotions that Gemma feels.
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: I would say this is a HFN. Kind of an abrupt ending without an epilogue... not my cup of tea,
Story type: Contemporary
Storyline: This is the story of Gemma and Chase. Gemma wins tickets to a playoff Celtics game and takes her no good boyfriend as a last ditch effort for their pathetic relationship. Gemma doesn't believe in true love and is not a commitment kind of girl, but because all her friends are now married she gave it a go with this guy. When he blatantly ignores Gemma when the kiss jumbotron lands on her the super hot guy next to her, Chase, helps a girl out and kisses her. Sparks fly and they have an instant connection. Nothing but drama, drama, drama happens next. We have paparazzi, crazy exes, crazy family, fun but crazy friends, and so many things going on its surprising they connect enough to fall in love. But through it all they do and Gemma finds her true love in Chase and they find their HFN.
POV: Gemma's POV
H rating: 4 stars. Chase. He was charming, funny, controlling (but not in a bad way) alpha male. I understand that he was always looking out for Gemma but some things he did I felt crossed the line .
h rating: 5 stars. Gemma. I loved Gemma! She was hillariously awkward at moments but always genuine. I loved her loyalty to her friends and just her overall personality was great.
Angst level: Low. It was dramatic for sure, but I wouldn't say that the tissues needed to come out.
Heat level: Low. There were some steamy moments but they were more about the emotional vs. the physical connection.
Descriptive sex: Yes and no. It describes the situation, but not the physical details of sex--more about the emotions that Gemma feels.
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: I would say this is a HFN. Kind of an abrupt ending without an epilogue... not my cup of tea,
May 8, 2017
I'm so sad.
This book is C.L.E.A.N.
Clearly. Lacking. Eroticism. And. Naughtiness.
Now where's the X-rated version because this book was written like one and blind sided me with its "fade to black" style.
Saturday passes in a blur of laughter and love-making.
TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED! I'M A SL*T THE DETAILS. Explain the BLUR.
I wasn't going to read this but I had already purchased the book a while back. Because I heard it's a one week "fall in love" - which is true and it made me think, oh God, insta insta insta, bangs two minutes after meeting with no development. But, there was character, and the blurb really reeled me in.
I really liked it. So much. The feels, the banter, the immediacy of their attraction, the alpha vibes, her clumsiness, and the supporting cast. Gemma was a doormat for the wrong person in the start, but I got it, she was giving the couple life a go with the wrong person and it clearly didn't work out for four months and she was ready to break up with said asshole. The MCs were great, young, not virgins with experience, but Gemma's friends were excellent and in a sphere of their own. Frigging wonderful, hilarious and there for her in a ways friends should be.
The pacing was a little fast at points. I mean there's falling in love and then moving in together in the space of a week. Perhaps the intimate scenes - if they were provided - could have bolstered this impact. But at least they address this; they know it's crazy, but then again so were the misshapen drama-filled events that surrounded that week. But Chase calls her "sunshine", and I found it impossibly endearing in comparison to the usual 'sweetheart', 'love' or 'baby.'
“I’m not sure what’s better — the fact that he worked a miracle and stopped the story, or the fact that he called me his girlfriend for the first time in a freaking note, like he thought if he casually slipped it in, it might not give me heart palpitations.”
It was a solid 4.5 until 3/4 in. As the ending neared, everything cleared up too tidily, too black and white. I quite liked Brett and hoped there'd be something salvageable, some explanation, but he was merely the antagonist instead of being sad half-brother. Same situation with Milo and his entrance. I just don't think it needed to have that happy ending, and could have been stretched to a book 2 in terms of resolution between their families, even if they are happy.
Solid 3.5 - I get the impression a lot of readers will enjoy this.
This book is C.L.E.A.N.
Clearly. Lacking. Eroticism. And. Naughtiness.
Now where's the X-rated version because this book was written like one and blind sided me with its "fade to black" style.
Saturday passes in a blur of laughter and love-making.
TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED! I'M A SL*T THE DETAILS. Explain the BLUR.
I wasn't going to read this but I had already purchased the book a while back. Because I heard it's a one week "fall in love" - which is true and it made me think, oh God, insta insta insta, bangs two minutes after meeting with no development. But, there was character, and the blurb really reeled me in.
I really liked it. So much. The feels, the banter, the immediacy of their attraction, the alpha vibes, her clumsiness, and the supporting cast. Gemma was a doormat for the wrong person in the start, but I got it, she was giving the couple life a go with the wrong person and it clearly didn't work out for four months and she was ready to break up with said asshole. The MCs were great, young, not virgins with experience, but Gemma's friends were excellent and in a sphere of their own. Frigging wonderful, hilarious and there for her in a ways friends should be.
The pacing was a little fast at points. I mean there's falling in love and then moving in together in the space of a week. Perhaps the intimate scenes - if they were provided - could have bolstered this impact. But at least they address this; they know it's crazy, but then again so were the misshapen drama-filled events that surrounded that week. But Chase calls her "sunshine", and I found it impossibly endearing in comparison to the usual 'sweetheart', 'love' or 'baby.'
“I’m not sure what’s better — the fact that he worked a miracle and stopped the story, or the fact that he called me his girlfriend for the first time in a freaking note, like he thought if he casually slipped it in, it might not give me heart palpitations.”
It was a solid 4.5 until 3/4 in. As the ending neared, everything cleared up too tidily, too black and white. I quite liked Brett and hoped there'd be something salvageable, some explanation, but he was merely the antagonist instead of being sad half-brother. Same situation with Milo and his entrance. I just don't think it needed to have that happy ending, and could have been stretched to a book 2 in terms of resolution between their families, even if they are happy.
Solid 3.5 - I get the impression a lot of readers will enjoy this.
November 7, 2015
OMG I thought this was terrible. I mean, really, really, awfully terrible.
This book started out nice enough. I thought this was going to be swoon-worthy read with a quirky and quite independent female protagonist. Boy was I wrong. Gemma starts out as a spunky and fun, if a little overbearing character and turned into a somewhat submissive, superficial and codependent protagonist. She put up with all the controlling, overprotective things Chace does because duhh he's hot. This must have been one of the worst character developments I've read - EVER. Also, what's with the bajillion clichés in this book? I mean Not You It's Me has got it all.
High profile family drama - check!
Illegitimate children - check!
A billionaire who hates his family and high society life but puts up with it because he has to - check!
Psychopath ex-boyfriend - check!
Traumatic near death experience - check!
And worst of all - a picture perfect example of hardcore insta-love. Arghhhh!
I mean seriously? This book made me roll my eyes so much I think I might have permanently damaged them...
This book started out nice enough. I thought this was going to be swoon-worthy read with a quirky and quite independent female protagonist. Boy was I wrong. Gemma starts out as a spunky and fun, if a little overbearing character and turned into a somewhat submissive, superficial and codependent protagonist. She put up with all the controlling, overprotective things Chace does because duhh he's hot. This must have been one of the worst character developments I've read - EVER. Also, what's with the bajillion clichés in this book? I mean Not You It's Me has got it all.
High profile family drama - check!
Illegitimate children - check!
A billionaire who hates his family and high society life but puts up with it because he has to - check!
Psychopath ex-boyfriend - check!
Traumatic near death experience - check!
And worst of all - a picture perfect example of hardcore insta-love. Arghhhh!
I mean seriously? This book made me roll my eyes so much I think I might have permanently damaged them...
July 11, 2015
5+++ Sunshine stars
(But half stars off for the lack of an epilogue. Does that mean we ARE getting Phoebe's story? PRETTY PLEASE?)
I loved the living shit out of this story. Seriously! It was cute af in the best way possible :) It's been several hours since I finished it, but I'm still riding on the high.
I'm kind of a Gemma in real life. Especially in the beginning, I could completely see myself as her. The way she rambles - c'est ma vie! I loved her. And freaking Chase! One of the best written heroes of all time. A contender with the best of the best of the creme de la creme.
(But half stars off for the lack of an epilogue. Does that mean we ARE getting Phoebe's story? PRETTY PLEASE?)
I loved the living shit out of this story. Seriously! It was cute af in the best way possible :) It's been several hours since I finished it, but I'm still riding on the high.
I'm kind of a Gemma in real life. Especially in the beginning, I could completely see myself as her. The way she rambles - c'est ma vie! I loved her. And freaking Chase! One of the best written heroes of all time. A contender with the best of the best of the creme de la creme.
September 9, 2015
Yay, it's over! I know Gemma's incessant babbling was supposed to be endearing but it was just annoying. And her two best friends were even worse. Even though this book tried to be funny and quirky it missed the mark. I skimmed the last few chapters. Blah, bad one.
November 24, 2015
Review to be posted!
July 10, 2015
I'm a huge fan of Julie Johnson's writing. I feel like she's one of the undiscovered diamonds of the writing world. Her books are entertaining, funny, emotional, and just overall a great read. Each one has been different in content, and I'm so glad to see that trend continue with Not You It's Me. The only thing that hasn't changed from one book to the next is the consistency with which she writes and captures my attention.
When I first started reading this book, I initially felt it was going to be a typical romance featuring a billionaire. Here's what I thought would happen because I've read quite a few. Man and woman meet, they're smitten with one another, they immediately fall into bed, then deal with their emotional baggage, and finally float off into the sunset on a yacht. Well I should've known this book would be different. After all, Julie wrote it, and she hasn't written anything "typical" yet!
I loved Gemma and Chase. I could totally relate to Gemma's character. She's trying to find her place in the world and what she wants. All of her friends are settling down and she's thinking she wants to do the same. She's a little clumsy, but she's a go-getter. She'll go after what she wants, sometimes without thinking things all the way through. I really liked Chase too. Yes he was hot and swoon worthy, but it was obvious he cared for Gemma, no matter how brief their interaction. He was honorable and charming. It was also clear he hadn't had the easiest time growing up, even if he did have a silver spoon in his mouth. I liked how he was willing to do whatever to keep her safe. He's an alpha, but he's not shoving that down her throat. The two of them had some amazing chemistry. The kiss they shared that sparked something between them is proof of that. I liked how believable their relationship was. It might have developed quickly, but it didn't feel that way.
I think what I loved most about this book was the mixture of laughter, romance, and the twists. I never knew what was going to happen next, and I loved it! It made for such a wonderful reading experience. I couldn't put this book down and I was often laughing aloud or putting my hand over my racing heart. There's so much more that makes this book amazing beyond Gemma and Chase. I loved Gemma's mother and her advice for her daughter. I both laughed my heart out at it and mentally cringed while picturing my mother doing the same. I absolutely loved Gemma's friends. Those two were hilarious! I loved how they supported Gemma unconditionally.
Julie Johnson has really done a wonderful job with this book. My review in all honestly in no way does it justice. The magic of Julie's masterful story telling skills can only be experienced by reading one of them. If you're looking for a great beach read this summer, something to make you laugh and lift your spirits, or just a great story, this book is for you. I can not wait to see what great story Julie writes next!
When I first started reading this book, I initially felt it was going to be a typical romance featuring a billionaire. Here's what I thought would happen because I've read quite a few. Man and woman meet, they're smitten with one another, they immediately fall into bed, then deal with their emotional baggage, and finally float off into the sunset on a yacht. Well I should've known this book would be different. After all, Julie wrote it, and she hasn't written anything "typical" yet!
I loved Gemma and Chase. I could totally relate to Gemma's character. She's trying to find her place in the world and what she wants. All of her friends are settling down and she's thinking she wants to do the same. She's a little clumsy, but she's a go-getter. She'll go after what she wants, sometimes without thinking things all the way through. I really liked Chase too. Yes he was hot and swoon worthy, but it was obvious he cared for Gemma, no matter how brief their interaction. He was honorable and charming. It was also clear he hadn't had the easiest time growing up, even if he did have a silver spoon in his mouth. I liked how he was willing to do whatever to keep her safe. He's an alpha, but he's not shoving that down her throat. The two of them had some amazing chemistry. The kiss they shared that sparked something between them is proof of that. I liked how believable their relationship was. It might have developed quickly, but it didn't feel that way.
I think what I loved most about this book was the mixture of laughter, romance, and the twists. I never knew what was going to happen next, and I loved it! It made for such a wonderful reading experience. I couldn't put this book down and I was often laughing aloud or putting my hand over my racing heart. There's so much more that makes this book amazing beyond Gemma and Chase. I loved Gemma's mother and her advice for her daughter. I both laughed my heart out at it and mentally cringed while picturing my mother doing the same. I absolutely loved Gemma's friends. Those two were hilarious! I loved how they supported Gemma unconditionally.
Julie Johnson has really done a wonderful job with this book. My review in all honestly in no way does it justice. The magic of Julie's masterful story telling skills can only be experienced by reading one of them. If you're looking for a great beach read this summer, something to make you laugh and lift your spirits, or just a great story, this book is for you. I can not wait to see what great story Julie writes next!
March 19, 2025
Broody Billionaire MMC. They are polar opposites. Perfect romcom vibes! It was good! Enjoyable palette cleanser.
August 17, 2018
DNF at 50 %
Good book, just not for me.
Gemma is in a shitty relationship. Her boyfriend barely looks at her and there is no passion between them. Her last chance to save the relationship is to get the tickets to the basketball game he wants to see. However, when they arrive at the game, her boyfriend spends the whole time being on the phone bragging to his friends about the game he won the tickets to while he completely ignores Gemma. When the kiss cam zooms in on them during the break, that jerk doesn't even notice. When Gemma tries to hide her humiliation, her next seat neighbor kisses her to save her. And it's some kiss.
However, after the kiss, everything goes to hell. Gemma's "boyfriend" starts yelling at her, tells her he has been cheating on her and then Gemma's perfect stranger hits him. And this is how the story of Gemma and Chase - the perfect stranger - begins. However, Gemma doesn't know that Chase is a billionaire and CEO of multinational corporation and all of this was just the tip of the iceberg of the drama that is to come.
If I realized this book was about a rich boy and a poor girl beforehand, I probably wouldn't have read it. It's a tale that has been told a thousand times and it just seems a little bit boring by now. However, what eventually made me stop reading was the main characters.
For the most parts, I liked Gemma, even though she was kind of a pushover. But Chase... I mean, at first, I liked him. In the beginning, he seemed like a decent guy – willing to help a girl he doesn’t even know. But then his „Christian Grey“ tendencies started to appear. He was quite arrogant and incredibly controlling. Now, to be fair, I haven’t read Fifty Shades of Grey, but from what I heard, Christian Grey was a controlling bastard. And although I don’t think Chase is quite at the level of Christian Grey, he seems like an arrogant jerk. He makes decisions for Gemma, he doesn’t listen to her, he is condescending and he doesn’t take "no“ for an answer. Even though they barely know each other, he shows up at her mother’s place and while there, acts all high and mighty. Even when Gemma tells him she doesn’t like him or doesn’t want to be with him, he just smirks and ignores her. Long story short, he is an arrogant dick. And I’m getting sick of testosterone overloaded male MCs, so this book is DNF for me.
To be fair, this is probably a great book if you are into that kind of thing. Unfortunately, I am not. The writing was great, but I didn't like the main characters nor the premise of the book.
I would still recommend it to anyone who loves NA romance filled with angst, misunderstandings and rich alpha males.
Good book, just not for me.
Gemma is in a shitty relationship. Her boyfriend barely looks at her and there is no passion between them. Her last chance to save the relationship is to get the tickets to the basketball game he wants to see. However, when they arrive at the game, her boyfriend spends the whole time being on the phone bragging to his friends about the game he won the tickets to while he completely ignores Gemma. When the kiss cam zooms in on them during the break, that jerk doesn't even notice. When Gemma tries to hide her humiliation, her next seat neighbor kisses her to save her. And it's some kiss.
However, after the kiss, everything goes to hell. Gemma's "boyfriend" starts yelling at her, tells her he has been cheating on her and then Gemma's perfect stranger hits him. And this is how the story of Gemma and Chase - the perfect stranger - begins. However, Gemma doesn't know that Chase is a billionaire and CEO of multinational corporation and all of this was just the tip of the iceberg of the drama that is to come.
If I realized this book was about a rich boy and a poor girl beforehand, I probably wouldn't have read it. It's a tale that has been told a thousand times and it just seems a little bit boring by now. However, what eventually made me stop reading was the main characters.
For the most parts, I liked Gemma, even though she was kind of a pushover. But Chase... I mean, at first, I liked him. In the beginning, he seemed like a decent guy – willing to help a girl he doesn’t even know. But then his „Christian Grey“ tendencies started to appear. He was quite arrogant and incredibly controlling. Now, to be fair, I haven’t read Fifty Shades of Grey, but from what I heard, Christian Grey was a controlling bastard. And although I don’t think Chase is quite at the level of Christian Grey, he seems like an arrogant jerk. He makes decisions for Gemma, he doesn’t listen to her, he is condescending and he doesn’t take "no“ for an answer. Even though they barely know each other, he shows up at her mother’s place and while there, acts all high and mighty. Even when Gemma tells him she doesn’t like him or doesn’t want to be with him, he just smirks and ignores her. Long story short, he is an arrogant dick. And I’m getting sick of testosterone overloaded male MCs, so this book is DNF for me.
To be fair, this is probably a great book if you are into that kind of thing. Unfortunately, I am not. The writing was great, but I didn't like the main characters nor the premise of the book.
I would still recommend it to anyone who loves NA romance filled with angst, misunderstandings and rich alpha males.
March 14, 2018
DNF 50%
This was annoying!
It started out really nice, and I thought this was going to be a great read with a quirky and independent female protagonist. But...
Then it turned into a hardcore insta-love drama-rama. Arghhhh!
● Chase was an asshole who was overstepping every and any boundary
● Gemma was an insecure doormat without any kind of self respect
● Her ex-boyfriend was an asshole as well
is there some kind of clichés checklist? Because I think this book hits them all.
This is yet another example of me not understanding other readers who apparently approves of manhandling, controlling, dismissive asshole heros.
This was annoying!
It started out really nice, and I thought this was going to be a great read with a quirky and independent female protagonist. But...
Then it turned into a hardcore insta-love drama-rama. Arghhhh!
● Chase was an asshole who was overstepping every and any boundary
● Gemma was an insecure doormat without any kind of self respect
● Her ex-boyfriend was an asshole as well
is there some kind of clichés checklist? Because I think this book hits them all.
This is yet another example of me not understanding other readers who apparently approves of manhandling, controlling, dismissive asshole heros.
July 31, 2015
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this one! It was sweet and funny, a little suspenseful and maybe a little frustrating at times but overall a good story! Chase was a really good hero. My only complaint is that I needed an epilogue. Looking forward to reading more by this author (and hopefully Knox's story someday!)
I really enjoyed this one! It was sweet and funny, a little suspenseful and maybe a little frustrating at times but overall a good story! Chase was a really good hero. My only complaint is that I needed an epilogue. Looking forward to reading more by this author (and hopefully Knox's story someday!)
September 5, 2015
3.5 Stars
This was pretty good. The heroine and her friends had me cracking up several times and Chase was a great hero! He does do the typical pushing away but thankfully it doesn't last long and when he goes after Gemma she's it for him. I wish we had gotten his POV and I also wish there was an epilogue!
This was pretty good. The heroine and her friends had me cracking up several times and Chase was a great hero! He does do the typical pushing away but thankfully it doesn't last long and when he goes after Gemma she's it for him. I wish we had gotten his POV and I also wish there was an epilogue!
August 4, 2015
“You’re my karma, sunshine. And I’m pretty sure you were made for me.”
3.5 stars
I love the set up for this book! Gemma hasn’t had much luck in love, and in a last-ditch effort to save her sagging relationship she is courtside at a basketball game with her douchebag boyfriend after winning tickets in a radio competition. When the kiss-cam lands on them, he ignores her – to her extreme embarrassment – but she is rescued by the gorgeous man sitting on her other side who swoops her up into a bone-melting kiss, to the delight of a cheering crowd. Fairy tale stuff, huh? Yep, even though it was just the beginning of the book, the chemistry is zinging and I was giddy with anticipation at all that was to come.
Her saviour offers her a ride home, and the conversation and banter is sensational! It’s funny, it’s flirty, and the connection between them is clear from the very beginning. Gemma is hilarious, she’s quirky but confident, and her lack of filter had me laughing out loud.
Chase Croft is a mysterious billionaire bad boy who is newly arrived back in town after a five-year hiatus and is ready to take over the family business. Controlled, and used to getting his own way, he is intrigued by Gemma – she is a breath of fresh air in his dull world - and he very quickly makes his intentions known.
When I saw this line I actually rolled my eyes – here we go again! It’s not a new concept for romance readers, but it’s one that drives a stake into the heart of hopeful heroines everywhere. Gemma isn’t interested in what he’s offering, so she immediately pulls away. Thankfully Chase realises pretty quickly that he’s already in too deep with Gemma, and if he wants her, his usual MO isn’t going to work. His job now is to convince Gemma of that.
The ‘relationship’ is a non-starter for most of the book. In fact, after their first epic encounter, it’s all push and pull, intense brooding, hot kisses, then more push and pull and intense brooding. They’re both guilty of it, and granted, they both have their reasons, but it’s frustrating, and it goes on for way too long.
Yep, agreed! But Chase is a persistent man, and his controlling billionaire tendencies certainly come in handy.
When they FINALLY get it together, the romance is gorgeous. They are sweet and passionate, and they open up to each other beautifully, falling hard and fast. Gemma has a complicated past and she has erected walls to protect herself, but Chase makes quick work of breaking through to her, and it was beautiful to watch.
Then there is the added complication of Chase’s celebrity status, and the nature of their first meeting making them a hot target for the media. Gemma’s life is quickly turned upside down by the interest in her life – with the paparazzi permanently camped outside of her home, and unsavoury characters paying her attention, spying her as a potential weakness for the smooth, controlled billionaire. The drama got a little bit much towards the end. All external to the relationship, thankfully, but it did seem a bit extreme.
But the story ends well, and there is a lot of humour throughout the book so it never feels overly heavy.
I really like the way the story is written. It’s like Gemma is having a conversation with us, and even though there is way more monologue than I usually like in a book, I did enjoy the way Gemma’s mind would wander, and the crazy tangents that she would take. It adds a great sense of lightness to the book, and reveals a lot about Gemma’s personality, she’s so endearing. I really liked her.
And I loved Gemma’s friends, they were hilarious, and the girls all together were an absolute riot! And I love the introduction of Phoebe – I sense a possible story there, and would definitely be keen to read that one!
So yeah, I had mixed feelings about this one. It started off great and I love the set up - it’s imaginative, hot, exciting and my heart was pounding through the big moment and the sensational banter-fest that followed. The story lost momentum for me a bit with all of the back and forth, and I wasn’t invested in the love story as much as I wanted to be, but it was still an enjoyable read.
3.5 stars.
3.5 stars
I love the set up for this book! Gemma hasn’t had much luck in love, and in a last-ditch effort to save her sagging relationship she is courtside at a basketball game with her douchebag boyfriend after winning tickets in a radio competition. When the kiss-cam lands on them, he ignores her – to her extreme embarrassment – but she is rescued by the gorgeous man sitting on her other side who swoops her up into a bone-melting kiss, to the delight of a cheering crowd. Fairy tale stuff, huh? Yep, even though it was just the beginning of the book, the chemistry is zinging and I was giddy with anticipation at all that was to come.
Her saviour offers her a ride home, and the conversation and banter is sensational! It’s funny, it’s flirty, and the connection between them is clear from the very beginning. Gemma is hilarious, she’s quirky but confident, and her lack of filter had me laughing out loud.
“So, do you?”
“Do I what?” he asks.
“Do a lot of lunges.”
A full smile breaks out on his face. “You’ll have to come to the gym with me sometime, find out for yourself.”
“Oh, no. Working out isn’t exactly my thing. Seriously, the last time I did a lunch I think I sprained by vagi-“ My lips slam closed. “My leg. A muscle in my leg.”
Chase Croft is a mysterious billionaire bad boy who is newly arrived back in town after a five-year hiatus and is ready to take over the family business. Controlled, and used to getting his own way, he is intrigued by Gemma – she is a breath of fresh air in his dull world - and he very quickly makes his intentions known.
“One night. No strings … That’s all I can offer. That’s all I need …I don’t do long term. Not ever.
When I saw this line I actually rolled my eyes – here we go again! It’s not a new concept for romance readers, but it’s one that drives a stake into the heart of hopeful heroines everywhere. Gemma isn’t interested in what he’s offering, so she immediately pulls away. Thankfully Chase realises pretty quickly that he’s already in too deep with Gemma, and if he wants her, his usual MO isn’t going to work. His job now is to convince Gemma of that.
“You don’t date,” I remind him… “You don’t do more”
“That’s true … Maybe that’s because I wasn’t doing it with you.”
The ‘relationship’ is a non-starter for most of the book. In fact, after their first epic encounter, it’s all push and pull, intense brooding, hot kisses, then more push and pull and intense brooding. They’re both guilty of it, and granted, they both have their reasons, but it’s frustrating, and it goes on for way too long.
“Are you ever gonna do it?” he asks abruptly.
I stare at him, confused. “Do what?”
“Let me in.” His eyes narrow. “Because this running away, pushing me away, keeping me at arm’s length shit is getting old.”
Yep, agreed! But Chase is a persistent man, and his controlling billionaire tendencies certainly come in handy.
“We’re going back to the city now. Specifically, to my apartment. More specifically, to my bed,” he says, his voice rough. “We aren’t leaving until we’ve worked out whatever this is between us – so, you might want to clear your schedule, sunshine. I have a feeling that’s gonna take a while”
When they FINALLY get it together, the romance is gorgeous. They are sweet and passionate, and they open up to each other beautifully, falling hard and fast. Gemma has a complicated past and she has erected walls to protect herself, but Chase makes quick work of breaking through to her, and it was beautiful to watch.
“Don’t tell me I don’t care about you, because it’s bullshit. Don’t tell me I’m not in this with you, because I am. I’m in it, sunshine. And I care – a hell of a lot more than I ever thought I would.” He drops his forehead to rest against mine, and his voice loses a tiny bit of its edge. “This relationship – it’s happening. You and me – we’re partners.”
Then there is the added complication of Chase’s celebrity status, and the nature of their first meeting making them a hot target for the media. Gemma’s life is quickly turned upside down by the interest in her life – with the paparazzi permanently camped outside of her home, and unsavoury characters paying her attention, spying her as a potential weakness for the smooth, controlled billionaire. The drama got a little bit much towards the end. All external to the relationship, thankfully, but it did seem a bit extreme.
But the story ends well, and there is a lot of humour throughout the book so it never feels overly heavy.
I really like the way the story is written. It’s like Gemma is having a conversation with us, and even though there is way more monologue than I usually like in a book, I did enjoy the way Gemma’s mind would wander, and the crazy tangents that she would take. It adds a great sense of lightness to the book, and reveals a lot about Gemma’s personality, she’s so endearing. I really liked her.
He’s a sculpture.
Painstakingly chiselled into perfection over the course of years, until arias could be written about his eyebrows, his cheekbones, the freaking shape of his nostrils.
And me?
Well, I’m probably a finger-painting.
Done by a three-year-old.
Without supervision.
And I loved Gemma’s friends, they were hilarious, and the girls all together were an absolute riot! And I love the introduction of Phoebe – I sense a possible story there, and would definitely be keen to read that one!
So yeah, I had mixed feelings about this one. It started off great and I love the set up - it’s imaginative, hot, exciting and my heart was pounding through the big moment and the sensational banter-fest that followed. The story lost momentum for me a bit with all of the back and forth, and I wasn’t invested in the love story as much as I wanted to be, but it was still an enjoyable read.
When you start to fall, don’t talk yourself out of it – the right man will be there at the bottom, to catch you. Take a risk on messy. Live fearlessly. Love recklessly. Most of all, just love.
3.5 stars.
July 11, 2015
I've never read a book by Julie Johnson before....when I saw this one across my search - I thought why not.
I read the first page and smiled. I kept reading because I enjoyed it. I was excited to get back to my kindle & hear more of the story. It was a fun read!
I read the first page and smiled. I kept reading because I enjoyed it. I was excited to get back to my kindle & hear more of the story. It was a fun read!
July 12, 2015
Overall rating: 3.5 "Sunshine" stars!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
OW/OM drama:
HEA:
My review:
Although an enjoyable read and a hero that I liked, this has to be my least favorite book by this author. Why? The heroine drove me absolutely insane LOL! I rated this book 3.5 stars but did round it up to 4 stars. I was between liking this book and really liking it.
This is your typical story about the poor starving artist type heroine meeting the man of her dreams who happens to have MILLIONS. The hero does initially push her away, but that doesn't last long --- what with Gemma running away OVER EVERY LITTLE THING. He was constantly chasing after her. The first few times it's like okay - fine, I like a hero that chases, but it got to a point where I was like if she runs ONE MORE TIME. There was a point in the book that I thought she was going to run again, and at that point, I was like omg if she runs, I hope he leaves her ass!!! He wouldn't have because he adored her too much, but good Lord and thankfully she didn't run that time LOL!
I also felt like at times, she was really ungrateful for everything he did for her and I guess WITH that into consideration, the fact that she would STILL doubt him, just got me so upset. I wanted to say - move over Gemma - ILL TAKE HIM! LMAO
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the banter Gemma and Chase had together. I enjoyed that she was a very quirky/silly character. But between her blushing and her running I didn't know what to do with myself. And SHE IS NOT A BLUSHING VIRGIN, she just BLUSHES all the time LOL!!!!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
OW/OM drama:
HEA:
My review:
Although an enjoyable read and a hero that I liked, this has to be my least favorite book by this author. Why? The heroine drove me absolutely insane LOL! I rated this book 3.5 stars but did round it up to 4 stars. I was between liking this book and really liking it.
This is your typical story about the poor starving artist type heroine meeting the man of her dreams who happens to have MILLIONS. The hero does initially push her away, but that doesn't last long --- what with Gemma running away OVER EVERY LITTLE THING. He was constantly chasing after her. The first few times it's like okay - fine, I like a hero that chases, but it got to a point where I was like if she runs ONE MORE TIME. There was a point in the book that I thought she was going to run again, and at that point, I was like omg if she runs, I hope he leaves her ass!!! He wouldn't have because he adored her too much, but good Lord and thankfully she didn't run that time LOL!
I also felt like at times, she was really ungrateful for everything he did for her and I guess WITH that into consideration, the fact that she would STILL doubt him, just got me so upset. I wanted to say - move over Gemma - ILL TAKE HIM! LMAO
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the banter Gemma and Chase had together. I enjoyed that she was a very quirky/silly character. But between her blushing and her running I didn't know what to do with myself. And SHE IS NOT A BLUSHING VIRGIN, she just BLUSHES all the time LOL!!!!
"Yep." I grin, lowering my voice to a whisper. "Im so badass, sometimes I don't even safety eject my USB drives-I just whip them out of the computer and shove them back in my desk."
"But..." I'm really grasping at straws, now. "You don't date," I remind him, desperate to believe my own words. "You don't do more."
"That's true. Maybe that's because I wasn't doing it with you."
"We're together. You're mine. Which means, I give a shit. I'm always going to give a shit. We're going to fight, we're going to make mistakes, we're probably going to drive each other fucking crazy because, like I said earlier, you're a loon.
November 9, 2022
The beginning was promising (as for the genre) but then it went down and down.
There was an idea for a romance that could have been some kind of enjoyable chick-lit or more hot version. But rather fast I had enough of “I can’t imagine there’s any man on earth who would regret kissing you.” and “I don’t date at all, Gemma.” and He stares at me. and He keeps on staring. You know what I mean.
Then Gemma kept running away (from Chase, of course). I have no idea how many times she did it, but it was absurd. And her tendency to misunderstanding - awful. She wasn't supposed to be so stupid as to not understand why someone could say or do what he said or did.
The case of a wooden box was... What would you do after seeing that someone devastated your apartment? You check the most valuable things, including those sentimentally valuable!
If all those weren't enough, Julie Johnson added drama twist after drama. In the end, it looked more like a soup opera than a contemporary romance.
What I pointed out above, are typical romantic substances, swoony talks, alpha heroes, misunderstanding, damsels in distress, twists, mystery in the past, etc. But Johnson overused it all. Had she overused one of them, I would have coped with that. But not all of them.
[So, from 3-4 stars it went to 1 star at the end.]
There was an idea for a romance that could have been some kind of enjoyable chick-lit or more hot version. But rather fast I had enough of “I can’t imagine there’s any man on earth who would regret kissing you.” and “I don’t date at all, Gemma.” and He stares at me. and He keeps on staring. You know what I mean.
Then Gemma kept running away (from Chase, of course). I have no idea how many times she did it, but it was absurd. And her tendency to misunderstanding - awful. She wasn't supposed to be so stupid as to not understand why someone could say or do what he said or did.
The case of a wooden box was... What would you do after seeing that someone devastated your apartment? You check the most valuable things, including those sentimentally valuable!
If all those weren't enough, Julie Johnson added drama twist after drama. In the end, it looked more like a soup opera than a contemporary romance.
What I pointed out above, are typical romantic substances, swoony talks, alpha heroes, misunderstanding, damsels in distress, twists, mystery in the past, etc. But Johnson overused it all. Had she overused one of them, I would have coped with that. But not all of them.
[So, from 3-4 stars it went to 1 star at the end.]
July 13, 2021
“The second I saw you, jumping up and down on the sidelines of a sport you didn’t understand, cheering for the wrong team and still somehow having more fun than everyone else in that stadium, I knew. Knew I wanted you in my arms, in my bed, in my life.
**Synopsis:**
Gemma is shocked when she wins two court side seats to the Celtics playoff game at The Garden. Considering she never wins anything, she is hoping her luck has turned and this little gift will be just the thing to make her boyfriend happy.
Unfortunately the dickwad boyfriend doesn’t give her the time of day, but fortunately the guy on her other side does. And when the kiss-cam focuses in on Gemma, it’s the hot guy she doesn’t know who comes to her rescue.
~ ”Before I can form a single thought, he’s pulling me out of my chair. Sliding one arm around my waist. Slipping one hand behind my neck. His eyes never leave mine as he leans in, bending me backward over his arm in a full-on, movie-star dip, and the only thought in my head is ohmigod, there’s no way he’s going to kiss me right now, but then even that disappears when his lips move closer and my mind blanks entirely. Because he’s kissing me. And it’s good.”
Sparks fly and they have an instant, undeniable connection. From that point on, let’s just say life gets very interesting for Gemma.
** The following are my thoughts about this book: **
* * Gemma’s friends were good side characters and helped bring a bit more fun to the story.
* * I liked the chemistry between Gemma and Chase. They didn’t have a ton of angst after the beginning section. A few disagreements here and there, but they quickly resolved them.
* * However, there was A LOT going on in this book. No specific aspect got a deep dive and fully fleshed out because there were so many different subplots happening. For me, it was just too much and a bit overwhelming.
* * I’m confused…was this supposed to be a comedy or drama or romantic suspense or a combo of all three? 🤷♀️
This is labeled as a comedic romance and it was light hearted and fun until about 30%. But then a complete shift happened in the story that took away all the fun. I even went back to read the blurb to see if this was mentioned, but it wasn’t. So, although I don’t mind a book that has an element of danger, this wasn’t what I was expecting. The change really disrupted the flow and I had to readjust my reading mindset to accommodate the various plots that were unfolding and the new direction of the story. This was a bit frustrating to me.
* * I liked Gemma’s mom. I thought she had some really good advice
~ “When you start to fall, don’t talk yourself out of it — the right man will be there at the bottom, to catch you. Take a risk on messy. Live fearlessly. Love recklessly. Most of all, just love.”
~ “Sometimes, you have to raze things to the ground before you can start over. Sear away the past, to pave the way for a bright future.”
~ “You end up at the destination you fix your eyes on: look to the future and you’ll get there, keep looking at the past, and you’ll find yourself back where you started.”
* * the ending section was a bit of an eye roll for me. One “traumatic” event would have been sufficient. But there must have been at least five really big things that all happened at the same time. C’mon….really?? 😏😏
**Overview:**
- Content Warning: none
- Setting: Boston, Massachusetts
- POV: female POV only. It could have benefited from Chase’s POV
- Who is the Hero? Chase Croft (age: 30). Taking over the reigns as CEO of the family business
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Hero: cocky, billionaire, his family owns the Celtics (among other things), has been MIA for the past five years, elusive, kind, caring, bossy, arrogant
* H likable? Yes.
- Who is the Heroine? Gemma Summers (age: 26). Artist - oil painter who sells art at a gallery
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Heroine: a people watcher, stubborn, likes to play with fire, likes flying through life by the seat of her pants, goes with the flow, takes things as they come, hates surprises, chooses practicality over passion
* h likable? Yes.
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 4%
- First time they sleep together: 63%
- First time they say I Love You 96%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- OW/OM drama? a tiny bit
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? not really. Chase reveals some of his past around 49%. Gemma reveals something at 58% but I didn’t view it as a bombshell.
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? Not really. There were a couple times I smirked but no big LOL moments
- Did I swoon🥰? Chase did a couple things that made him swoony
- Cliffhanger? Not really, but I will say that everything with the cousin was not wrapped up and the relationship with the sister wasn’t explored. So seeing as the sister’s story is next, I’m not sure if some of this will carry over to the next book in this series.
- HEA? HFN
- Epilogue? No
- Recommend? I think I would recommend as long as you aren’t expecting a ROFL type book. It was action packed and it held my interest. But I also think there was just too much going on and it lost some focus. If it wouldn’t have strayed from the tone set in the first part of the book I think this would have been a high recommendation for me. But with the unexpected shift, I struggled just a bit. As long as you set your expectation appropriately, I think you would probably enjoy the story.
**Quotes**
“The past holds pain; the future holds promise.”
“If you hold all the cards, you can play the game however you want.”
“There’s no order or reason to most of what’ll happen to you before you turn to dust and fade from memory, and there’s nothing you can do about that. All you can do is find someone who turns that abstract chaos into a work of art… and never let them go.”
“No day that begins with you wrapped in my arms can possibly turn out to be anything but beautiful.”
“At the end of the day, you define the person you become. Not a strand of DNA.”
**Synopsis:**
Gemma is shocked when she wins two court side seats to the Celtics playoff game at The Garden. Considering she never wins anything, she is hoping her luck has turned and this little gift will be just the thing to make her boyfriend happy.
Unfortunately the dickwad boyfriend doesn’t give her the time of day, but fortunately the guy on her other side does. And when the kiss-cam focuses in on Gemma, it’s the hot guy she doesn’t know who comes to her rescue.
~ ”Before I can form a single thought, he’s pulling me out of my chair. Sliding one arm around my waist. Slipping one hand behind my neck. His eyes never leave mine as he leans in, bending me backward over his arm in a full-on, movie-star dip, and the only thought in my head is ohmigod, there’s no way he’s going to kiss me right now, but then even that disappears when his lips move closer and my mind blanks entirely. Because he’s kissing me. And it’s good.”
Sparks fly and they have an instant, undeniable connection. From that point on, let’s just say life gets very interesting for Gemma.
** The following are my thoughts about this book: **
* * Gemma’s friends were good side characters and helped bring a bit more fun to the story.
* * I liked the chemistry between Gemma and Chase. They didn’t have a ton of angst after the beginning section. A few disagreements here and there, but they quickly resolved them.
* * However, there was A LOT going on in this book. No specific aspect got a deep dive and fully fleshed out because there were so many different subplots happening. For me, it was just too much and a bit overwhelming.
* * I’m confused…was this supposed to be a comedy or drama or romantic suspense or a combo of all three? 🤷♀️
This is labeled as a comedic romance and it was light hearted and fun until about 30%. But then a complete shift happened in the story that took away all the fun. I even went back to read the blurb to see if this was mentioned, but it wasn’t. So, although I don’t mind a book that has an element of danger, this wasn’t what I was expecting. The change really disrupted the flow and I had to readjust my reading mindset to accommodate the various plots that were unfolding and the new direction of the story. This was a bit frustrating to me.
* * I liked Gemma’s mom. I thought she had some really good advice
~ “When you start to fall, don’t talk yourself out of it — the right man will be there at the bottom, to catch you. Take a risk on messy. Live fearlessly. Love recklessly. Most of all, just love.”
~ “Sometimes, you have to raze things to the ground before you can start over. Sear away the past, to pave the way for a bright future.”
~ “You end up at the destination you fix your eyes on: look to the future and you’ll get there, keep looking at the past, and you’ll find yourself back where you started.”
* * the ending section was a bit of an eye roll for me. One “traumatic” event would have been sufficient. But there must have been at least five really big things that all happened at the same time. C’mon….really?? 😏😏
**Overview:**
- Content Warning: none
- Setting: Boston, Massachusetts
- POV: female POV only. It could have benefited from Chase’s POV
- Who is the Hero? Chase Croft (age: 30). Taking over the reigns as CEO of the family business
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Hero: cocky, billionaire, his family owns the Celtics (among other things), has been MIA for the past five years, elusive, kind, caring, bossy, arrogant
* H likable? Yes.
- Who is the Heroine? Gemma Summers (age: 26). Artist - oil painter who sells art at a gallery
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Heroine: a people watcher, stubborn, likes to play with fire, likes flying through life by the seat of her pants, goes with the flow, takes things as they come, hates surprises, chooses practicality over passion
* h likable? Yes.
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 4%
- First time they sleep together: 63%
- First time they say I Love You 96%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- OW/OM drama? a tiny bit
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? not really. Chase reveals some of his past around 49%. Gemma reveals something at 58% but I didn’t view it as a bombshell.
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? Not really. There were a couple times I smirked but no big LOL moments
- Did I swoon🥰? Chase did a couple things that made him swoony
- Cliffhanger? Not really, but I will say that everything with the cousin was not wrapped up and the relationship with the sister wasn’t explored. So seeing as the sister’s story is next, I’m not sure if some of this will carry over to the next book in this series.
- HEA? HFN
- Epilogue? No
- Recommend? I think I would recommend as long as you aren’t expecting a ROFL type book. It was action packed and it held my interest. But I also think there was just too much going on and it lost some focus. If it wouldn’t have strayed from the tone set in the first part of the book I think this would have been a high recommendation for me. But with the unexpected shift, I struggled just a bit. As long as you set your expectation appropriately, I think you would probably enjoy the story.
**Quotes**
“The past holds pain; the future holds promise.”
“If you hold all the cards, you can play the game however you want.”
“There’s no order or reason to most of what’ll happen to you before you turn to dust and fade from memory, and there’s nothing you can do about that. All you can do is find someone who turns that abstract chaos into a work of art… and never let them go.”
“No day that begins with you wrapped in my arms can possibly turn out to be anything but beautiful.”
“At the end of the day, you define the person you become. Not a strand of DNA.”
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